MONTRÉAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Dec. 31, 2013) - The Canadian Coast Guard, in partnership with the United States Coast Guard and the Ontario Provincial Police, has an important safety message for all ice surface users near icebreaking operations and shipping routes in the Great Lakes.

Broken and fragmented icy tracks left behind by icebreaking operations and other ship traffic may not freeze over immediately. Newly fallen snow may obscure icebreaker and ship tracks and changes in weather contribute to unsafe ice conditions that may remain long after the ships have left the area. All ice on or near the planned shipping routes and icebreaking operations should be considered unsafe during and after ship transits through these routes. The Canadian Coast Guard, the United States Coast Guard and Ontario Provincial Police are advising everyone to stay clear of these areas.

Icebreaking operations are currently underway in various areas of the Great Lakes. The following area will see icebreaking activity in the near future:

Icebreaking operations may begin as early as January 2 to January 7, 2014 near Midland and in Owen Sound, Ontario. The Canadian Coast Guard or the United States Coast Guard will be providing icebreaking assistance to the MV Frontenac and MV Algorail.

Public service announcements made prior to impending icebreaker and shipping activity are issued for the safety of all ice surface users, who can expect disrupted and unstable ice conditions related to icebreaking and shipping operations.

Dates and routes are subject to change with little or no notice due to weather, ice conditions, shipping schedules or other unexpected situations.

Please post and share with fellow ice surface users, so all surface users this winter may enjoy a safe winter season.

For broadcast

Seasonal icebreaking operations are currently underway in the Great Lakes. All ice near the planned shipping routes should be considered unsafe during and after icebreaking and shipping operations. The Canadian Coast Guard, the United States Coast Guard and the Ontario Provincial Police are advising everyone to stay clear of these areas.

Quick Facts

Icebreaking operations and shipping traffic create broken and fragmented ice conditions that may not freeze immediately creating unstable ice conditions in the area.

All ice near planned icebreaking operations and shipping activity should be considered unsafe during and after ship transits.